Vehicle Switchable Glass Control Using Distance-Based Transmittance

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Solution Overview

Problem

The manual adjustment of switchable glass light transmittance in vehicles is inflexible, requiring user intervention after unlocking the vehicle, which limits user experience.

Innovation Solution

A method and apparatus that utilize distance information to automatically control the light transmittance of switchable glass, using input signals to adjust the glass based on proximity to a target object, enabling dynamic and flexible control without manual input.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If manual adjustment method is used, then user can control light transmittance, but control is inflexible and requires vehicle unlocking

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol flexibilityVSAvoidautomatic control capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSExtent of automation

Solution Approach 1:

The switchable glass system automatically adjusts light transmittance based on detected distance information without requiring manual user input. The system serves itself by using sensors to detect proximity and automatically controlling the glass state, eliminating the need for user intervention and enabling control before vehicle unlocking.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual mechanical button pressing with an automatic sensing and control system. Distance sensors detect the target object's proximity and trigger electrical signals to adjust the switchable glass, substituting the mechanical operation with an automated electromechanical system that provides flexible control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Adaptability or versatility

If automatic distance-based control is implemented, then control flexibility is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedynamic adjustment capabilityVSAvoidcontrol system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The control system integrates multiple functions into a single automated module that handles distance detection, signal processing, and glass control. This multi-functional approach achieves dynamic adaptability while consolidating components to manage system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system adjusts the light transmittance parameter of the switchable glass based on changing distance parameters detected by sensors. By monitoring and responding to parameter changes in the environment (distance), the system achieves adaptability through automated parameter adjustment rather than complex control logic.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Enables flexible and automatic adjustment of switchable glass transmittance, enhancing user experience by allowing seamless control based on proximity to the vehicle, protecting privacy and providing interior information access as needed.

Implementation Method 1

Switchable glass is a novel photoelectric glass product, which may change its own light transmittance according to a received voltage signal or current signal

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrochromism: Electrochromism

Data Source

PatentEP4700461A1Method and apparatus for controlling switchable glass and vehicle and electronic device
Publication Date: 2026.02.25 BOE TECHNOLOGY GROUP CO LTD
  • EP4700461A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4700461A1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP4700461A1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

A method and apparatus for controlling switchable glass and a vehicle and an electronic device. The method for controlling switchable glass comprises: acquiring distance information between a target object and a vehicle (S101); controlling an input signal of switchable glass of the vehicle according to the distance information (S 102); and changing the light transmittance of the switchable glass by means of the input signal (S103). Distance information between a target object and a vehicle is acquired, and an input signal of switchable glass is controlled according to the distance information, so that flexible regulation of the light transmittance of the switchable glass is realized, thereby improving the user experience.